Discover why the Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwan’s most historic mountain lines, with century-old engineering, scenic stations and rich cultural heritage.

Rapidly growing in popularity amongst the travel community, Taiwan is known for its lively cities, easy transport and a mix of modern life and long-standing traditions. Taipei sets the tone with its skyline shaped by Taipei 101, temples tucked between neighbourhoods and a food scene that draws travellers from across Asia.

Kaohsiung and Taichung bring their own character, with waterfront districts, art centres and leafy parks that make it simple to explore at a relaxed pace. Across the island, efficient trains link urban areas with coastal towns and mountain regions, giving travellers plenty of variety in a short timeframe.

Night markets are a defining part of the experience - the combination of street food, small vendors and local rituals offers an easy window into everyday life. Many travellers build their evenings around these markets, trying dishes such as beef noodle soup, oyster omelettes and bubble tea while wandering through busy lanes.

Away from the cities, the interior of Taiwan is shaped by steep mountains, cedar forests and winding rail routes. One of its most memorable hidden gems is the Alishan Forest Railway, a century-old narrow-gauge line built through dense highland forest. The journey climbs from lowland plains to cool mountain air, passing wooden stations and sweeping valley views. For many, it is a chance to slow down and see a quieter part of Taiwan’s history, far removed from the pace of the cities.

What is the Alishan Forest Railway?

In simple terms, the Alishan Forest Railway is a century old narrow gauge mountain railway in central Taiwan. It was originally built during the Japanese era to transport timber but today it carries travellers up through thick forest, steep valleys and cool mountain air. The line is known for its switchbacks and sharp climbs, rising from the plains near Chiayi to the Alishan highlands.

Much of its appeal comes from the atmosphere of the journey. Small wooden stations, red painted carriages and stretches of old growth cedar forest make it feel very different from the fast trains that connect Taiwan’s cities. For many visitors it is both a gentle introduction to the mountains and a chance to experience a quieter, historic side of the island.

The Alishan Forest Railway train winding through dense mountain forest in southern Taiwan, outlining that for many travellers, it’s appeal lies in the history and scenery available on this adventure.

Why was the Alishan Forest Railway originally built?

The Alishan Forest Railway was built during the early decades of Japanese rule, at a time when Taiwan’s high mountain forests were seen as a major economic resource.

Japanese officials identified the Alishan region as one of the island’s richest areas for prized Taiwan cypress and Taiwan red cedar. These trees were dense, slow growing and ideal for construction, shipbuilding and ceremonial architecture in Japan. To move such heavy timber efficiently, engineers designed a narrow gauge railway that could handle steep gradients and tight turns while cutting through rugged terrain that would have been impossible to access by cart or road.

Construction began in 1906 and was a major undertaking. Workers carved pathways along cliffs, built switchbacks to tackle the sharp rises and laid wooden trestle bridges across deep valleys. The line eventually connected the forests of Alishan with the city of Chiayi on the plains, creating a direct route for hauling felled logs down the mountain. In its peak years the railway operated as a full commercial network with sidings, work camps and dozens of small stations used by forestry workers.

As attitudes shifted and large-scale logging declined in the late twentieth century, the railway’s purpose changed. Instead of closing, it was preserved as a cultural and historical icon. Today it offers travellers a chance to experience a piece of early mountain engineering while seeing the landscapes that once powered Taiwan’s forestry industry. Its survival reflects both its technical significance and the affection many people have for its place in Taiwan’s history.

In the early 20th century, Japanese officials identified the Alishan region as one of the island’s richest areas for prized Taiwan cypress and Taiwan red cedar.

How many tunnels and bridges are on the Alishan route?

The Alishan Forest train route is known for its engineering, and the main mountain line includes more than 50 tunnels and around 70 to 80 bridges, depending on how smaller wooden trestles are counted. Exact numbers vary slightly between sources because different sections have been rebuilt or realigned over the years, but the route is consistently described as having over fifty tunnels cut into the mountains and dozens of bridges spanning valleys and forested slopes.

What is the elevation gain of the Alishan Railway?

The Alishan Forest Railway has one of the biggest elevation gains of any heritage railway in Asia. The line begins on the plains near Chiayi at roughly 30 metres above sea level and climbs steadily into the central mountains, reaching the Alishan station area at approximately 2,200 metres. This means the railway gains just over 2,100 metres in elevation over the course of its journey.

Where does the Alishan Forest Railway depart from?

The Alishan Forest Railway begins its journey in Chiayi, a city in southern Taiwan with a long connection to the island’s forestry industry. Trains depart from the dedicated Chiayi Forest Railway platform beside the main TRA station, making it easy for travellers to connect from Taiwan’s broader rail network. This lower section sets the rhythm for the climb ahead as the train moves out of the plains and into the foothills.

From here, the route gradually gains altitude, passing farmland, bamboo groves and the first of many tunnels before reaching the cooler forested areas higher up. Along the way, several stations are especially rewarding to pause at, and reveal the character of the mountain communities the railway once served.

The line traditionally finishes at Alishan Station, close to the entrance of Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. From there, visitors can transfer to shorter branch lines within the park or explore the walking paths, viewpoints and sunrise spots that make Alishan one of Taiwan’s most visited mountain destinations. Even when parts of the main line are undergoing maintenance, the journey between Chiayi and the mid mountain stations still provides a strong sense of the railway’s history and landscape.

Which stations are scenic or worth stopping at along the Alishan route?

Several stations along the Alishan Forest train route are known for their scenery, history and a sense of stepping back into Taiwan’s earlier railway era.

Beimen is the first of these, just north of Chiayi, where the preserved Japanese era station building and small museum set the tone for the journey. Zhuqi follows as the line begins to climb, offering open views of the countryside and a quieter rural setting that contrasts with the city below.

Further up the line, Fenqihu is the most rewarding stop. The station sits beside an old street lined with wooden shophouses, and the area is known for its traditional lunchboxes sold from the platforms. Short forest trails lead directly from the town into groves of cedar and bamboo, making it an easy place to pause, walk and take in the cooler mountain atmosphere before continuing the ascent.

Higher again, Shizilu marks the point where branch lines once diverged and has long been associated with the steepest sections of track ahead. Beyond this, stations like Erwanping signal the transition into true mountain terrain, where mist, dense forest and changing light create a distinct shift in the landscape. Even when the full route to Alishan is not running, these stations remain the most scenic and offer the strongest sense of what makes the railway special.

Fenqihu, one of the most scenic stops on the Alishan train line, is known for its old streets lined with wooden shophouses, traditional lunchboxes and range of forest trails.

What is the best time of year to ride the Alishan Railway?

Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons to ride the Alishan Forest Railway, thanks to clear conditions, mild temperatures and strong cherry blossom colours in the surrounding forest. March to May sees fresh greenery, cherry blossoms around Alishan and comfortable daytime weather, which makes the climb from the lowlands into the mountains especially enjoyable. September to November offers crisp air, stable skies and some of the most reliable views of the higher peaks.

Summer can still be a good time to ride, but it is warm and humid at lower altitudes and afternoon showers are common. Typhoons occasionally affect services, so travellers need to keep an eye on conditions. Winter brings colder air and occasional frost or mist at higher stations, giving the forest a different atmosphere, though visibility can be more variable.

How do I get tickets for the Alishan Forest Railway?

Independent travellers can buy Alishan railway tickets online through the official booking system, which opens sales about two weeks before the travel date. This is the easiest way to secure a seat on the main Chiayi to Alishan service, as the full route is popular and often sells out. After completing an online reservation, travellers usually collect a physical ticket at the station on the day of travel. The process is straightforward, and the Chiayi station staff are familiar with assisting visitors who have already booked online.

Tickets are also sold in person at Chiayi Railway Station, where the Alishan Forest Railway has its own counter beside the main TRA platforms. For travellers heading only to mid-mountain areas, or planning to ride one of the shorter branch lines, tickets can also be purchased at Fenqihu or Alishan. Buying on the day is possible, especially outside weekends and public holidays, but availability can be limited for the longer mountain run. If seats are sold out, some travellers split the journey into two segments or combine a partial train ride with a connecting shuttle bus to reach Alishan.

For those booking a Taiwan tour package through a reputable travel provider, there are additional options. While travel agents do not receive an earlier public release window, many work with group allocations, wholesale arrangements or reserved seat blocks that are not available to individual travellers. These arrangements make it easier for international visitors to secure tickets as part of a broader itinerary without competing for the limited seats released online. For travellers seeking certainty, bundling the railway into a professionally arranged Taiwan trip is often the most reliable way to guarantee a seat.

Before booking, it is worth checking the current operating status of the line. Weather, seasonal maintenance and occasional repair work can affect which sections are running. Even when the full mountain line is not available, the railway usually operates between Chiayi and the mid-mountain stations, and the upper-area lines within the Alishan scenic zone run on a separate schedule. Keeping an eye on announcements helps ensure you choose the best combination of train and connections for the day you plan to travel, or triple check with your travel advisor.

For travellers seeking certainty, bundling the Alishan railway into a professionally arranged Taiwan trip is often the most reliable way to guarantee a seat.

What are some other things to do in Alishan?

Alishan is best experienced through its network of forest walking trails, which wind through stands of ancient cedar and cypress. These paths link well-known sights such as the Sisters Ponds, Shouzhen Temple and the Giant Tree area, where centuries-old trunks rise above the misty forest floor. The trails are mostly gentle and well signed, making them easy to explore at your own pace.

Sunrise viewing is another signature experience. Designated platforms within the scenic area offer wide views toward Yushan and the surrounding ranges, where cloud seas form in the valleys below. Even outside sunrise hours, these viewpoints are worth visiting for shifting light, cooler temperatures and the sense of being high in the mountains.

Alishan also has a quieter cultural side. The tea produced here is among Taiwan’s most prized high-mountain oolongs, and small shops and tea houses around the scenic area offer tastings. Simple cafés, local snacks and resting spots give travellers a comfortable way to pause between walks, enjoy the scenery and take in the atmosphere of the mountain forest.

Aside from the iconic train, Alisha is also home to some of the best tea country in Taiwan, with many small shops and tea houses around the scenic area offering tastings.

Explore the best of Taiwan with Asia Unbound

At Asia Unbound, we design private journeys in Taiwan that move beyond the usual highlights. From the Alishan Forest Railway and the old towns of Chiayi and Lukang, to Taipei’s neighbourhood food trails and the mountain scenery of Hualien and Taroko, each itinerary is shaped around your interests. Travel feels smooth and personalised, with experienced local guides and carefully chosen stays. Contact us today to begin planning your Taiwan adventure.

Why The Alishan Forest Railway Is A Must For History Lovers